Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698938891601.pdf (South Africa)
3 Public finances are dangerously overstretched 8 Social development department will focus on those who are most vulnerable 16 Covid-19 Budget cuts A Blow To Agricultural Sector Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Vol.

02 Issue 05 2020 2019/2020 crime stats show decrease in violent crimes, says Minister All crimes in this category decreased, including burglary at residential premises, which declined by 6.7%.

Robbery at residential properties also recorded a decrease.
The Minster of Police, Mr are not where we want to Another important category deployed to address the together with government Bheki Cele, briefed the be.

However, we are pleased recording a significant growing increase, Minister to defeat the scourge and Portfolio Committee on Police with the improvements in decrease, is property- Cele said.

expose perpetrators.

on the 2019/20 national crime statistics, saying that the most subborn crime categories,” he added.

The related crimes.
The related crimes.

All crimes in this category decreased, On sexual offences, Mr Cele pointed out that this sort of the statistics provide a clear number of contact crimes, including burglary at crime often happens behind indication of how well the particularly murder, have residential premises, which closed doors and are only South African Police Service halved over the past three declined by 6.7%.

Robbery publicised after the offence (SAPS) is delivering on its years.
In 2017/18, the case at residential properties has been committed and mandate to ensure that difference was 1 320, in also recorded a decrease.

the victims have passed on.

South Africans feel safe.

2018/19 the cases difference However, carjacking and Campaigns against gender- The statistics reveal a was 686 and in 2019/20 the SAPS recorded a case truck hijacking recorded an increase of 13.3% and 1.7% based violence and femicide must be intensified.
Private slowing of the increase in difference of 303. respectively.

Operational sector and gender activists’ violent crimes.

“Indeed, we interventions have been organisations must work “It is of concern that educational institutions are becoming hotbeds for sexual violence.
380 cases of rape were reported at schools, PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA www.parliament.gov.za parliamentofrsa 2 universities, colleges and an arrest or a deployment officers, whilst 12 138 have 2019 firearms amnesty, number of illegal firearms in day-care facilities,” he to a Community Service contracted the virus, with which began on 1 December circulation.

In the previous reiterated.


Centre suddenly demands a 254 hospitalised and 4 904 2019 and was meant to run amnesty period, 44 033 different standard operating recoveries,” he said.

until the end of May 2020, firearms and 246 060 As for the Covid-19, the procedure.

was severely affected by rounds of ammunition pandemic has drastically On the proliferation of illegal the outbreak of Covid-19.

were surrendered and over redefined traditional policing.
“In the call of duty during firearms, this remains a This contributed to the 19 000 applications to renew Social distancing is the this pandemic, the SAPS major contributor to crime SAPS’s inability to fully licenses were received.

new normal and making has lost a 113 police levels in the country.

The and effectively reduce the Police have become the first and last line of defence in the fight against the coronavirus “The rate of GBV in South Africa is five times higher than the global average.
There’s one death too many that is related to GBV in our country.” odds.

He added: “When the world closes, policing to address the safety of “women, children and continues.

When businesses close, policing members of the LGBT community”.

continues.

When there is lockdown, policing She decried the economic conditions of women continues.” in the country.
“The introduction of a sustainable social security system would assist our country to Even when more than 95 police lost their lives, eradicate all forms of GBV.

The question to ask is: policing continues.

He said despite all these do people have confidence in our police service, if challenges, police management worked hard to yes, to what extent?” she asked.

ensure that the well-being and morale of the police remain at an all-time high.
“In this regard, we need a strong Independent Well over R3.7 billion has been prioritised to respond to Covid-19.

Some of the adjusted budget will cater for a Covid-19 public education and awareness campaign to facilitate the involvement of community safety forums.

Regarding GBV, he pointed out that “we should all concur that those who abuse women and children, abuse our nation”.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, said the largest threat to future economic growth is crime.

She commended the Minister for ensuring that during Covid-19, the police are in a position to support the state “in enforcing the national disaster regulations with the necessary care and empathy that South Africans deserve”.
She admitted though that Covid-19 has put an extra burden on the limited resources of the Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to investigate any kind of criminality.

And it should have full jurisdiction in all sectors of policing, including metro and traffic officers.” Rev Kenneth Meshoe said that since October last year, 103 000 cases have been withdrawn because of poor police investigative capabilities, nine time more than last year.
Of the sexual violence-related cases, Rev Meshoe stated that over 65% of them were withdrawn before they were heard in court.

“It is hardly surprising that according to Afro- Barometer, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is the least trusted institution in South Africa.” He further proclaimed that according to Corruption Watch, the SAPS is the most corrupt institution in SA.
He said: “It is alleged that the police erect random stops for extortion than upholding the law.” Ms Zukisa Faku decried the increase in the number of GBV cases.

“The rate of GBV in South Africa is five times higher than the global average.

There’s one death too many that is related to GBV in our Department of Police.

As such, she welcomed the country.” suspension of the sale of alcohol.
In her view, this “will go a long way in reducing violent crime against women and children and lessen the burden of care in the country’s hospitals”.

She called upon Minister Cele to see to it that GBV cases are prioritised and given the resources they demand so that the state can treat victims with respect and the police be in a better position to arrest the perpetrators of this crime.
Minister Bheki Cele The police have become the first and last line of defence in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, hence the National Treasury has adjusted the police budget upward by R3.7 billion to enable them to enforce the lockdown regulations.

That was what the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, told Members of the National Assembly (NA) in a virtual mini-plenary sitting when he presented the Budget Vote for the Department of Police, writes Abel Mputing.
Presenting the adjusted budget of the department, Mr Cele urged South Africans to hold hands in the fight against the pandemic and not betray this cause.

He dedicated the adjusted budget to gender-based violence (GBV) and to the police’s selfless commitment in the fight against the spread of the virus.

“We find ourselves in a quagmire of an invisible enemy that attacks everyone, including police officers,” declared the Minister.
“Covid-19 has redefined conventional policing,” he claimed, “the current regulations demand different operating procedures.

The police had to adjust to the 360% turn while not losing their focus on serving and protecting the nation.” He commended the relentless efforts of the police who died from contacting the virus and the sacrifices they continue to make against all She said the committee welcomed the additional R3.7 billion to the police budget.
In her view, this will place the police to be in a better position INSESSION NEWS PUBLIC FINANCES 3 Public finances are dangerously overstretched There is an agreement that economic growth is urgent.

One of the key projects that the National Treasury will be driving is to work closely with the rest of government to drive a package of reforms to improve productivity, lower costs and reduce demands of state-owned companies on the public purse.
regional and international “More significantly, the cooperation, and continue shortfall reflects the the roll-out of our expectation that the tax base improvements to the system will temporarily shrink as of financial regulation.” businesses close and people lose their jobs.” There is an agreement that As set out in the economic growth is urgent.
supplementary budget, the One of the key projects that gross borrowing requirement the National Treasury will has increased to R776.9 be driving is to work closely billion.
Gross national Minister Tito Mboweni a strong National Treasury, with the rest of government government debt is projected In presenting the National Treasury Budget Vote during a virtual National Assembly mini-plenary sitting, the Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni said section 216 of the Constitution of the Republic and the Public Finance Management Act clearly spell out the role of the National Treasury, reports Mava Lukani.
Accordingly, the National Treasury prepares an Annual Budget, delivered in February, and a Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, traditionally delivered in October.

This year, he said, the circumstances have also required the National Treasury to prepare a Supplementary Budget which he delivered during a hybrid sitting of the National Assembly in June.
Mr Mboweni said the Supplementary Budget Vote was in support of the constitutional and legal responsibilities, underpinned by the strategic objective to “improve living standards”.
He said: “I cannot overstate the urgency of this task in the context of the current global pandemic, and the economic devastation it has brought with it.” He said the country needs staffed with the best the country and the world to drive a package of reforms to increase to R3.97 trillion to improve productivity, (or 81.8% of GDP) in in the have to offer.

The National lower costs and reduce current year.


“This increase Treasury has set itself a demands of state-owned in debt means that we now three-pronged strategy, and companies on the public budget for a direct charge of one of those strategies is to purse.

These measures, R236 billion for debt service achieve sustainable public he said, include finalising costs, which is R7 billion finances.
“The National electricity determinations, more than we budgeted in Treasury is on a mission to unbundling Eskom and taking February.

Debt is expensive.” restore fiscal strength.

This other steps to open up is a minimum condition required to prepare South energy markets, modernising Furthermore, “We have ports and rail infrastructure, continued with our efforts Africa for the next pandemic and licensing spectrum.

to mobilise funding from or economic shock,” he said.
multilateral institutions, to The second prong is to strengthen the sound financial controls and management of public On fiscal outlook, he said date the New Development there is a team in the Bank has approved US$1 National Treasury which is billion (R16.6 billion) from working tirelessly to deal its Emergency Assistance with the ballooning public Program and the African finances across the public debt.

“The public finances are Development Bank has sector.
“Our historic response dangerously overstretched.

also approved a loan of to this pandemic would not Without urgent action in approximately US$288 have been possible had it the 2021 budget process, million (R4.8 billion).” not been for the cooperation a debt crisis will follow.
across all arms of the state, Failure to contain debt, the The government has also facilitated by good financial budget deficit and debt applied for US$4.2 billion control, including the service costs will damage the (R69.7 billion) from the provincial MECs for Finance, country’s long-term economic International Monetary Fund whose support I highly value.
prospects.” In this regard, effective intergovernmental relations He reminded Members under the Rapid Financing Instrument that will be used to provide for direct budget are critical in ensuring that of Parliament that the financing and, he said, all arms of government work supplementary budget negotiations with the World closely together to deliver on projected that tax revenue Bank are still underway improved living standards for would be R304.1 billion less and more details will be all.” in the current year, compared provided once transactions with the 2020 budget are concluded.
“We expect to The final prong is to advocate for sound economic estimate.

He said revenue shortfalls include tax relief raise a total of approximately US$7 billion (R116.2 policy in line with the measures amounting to R26 billion) as indicated in the President’s direction.

“We billion in foregone revenue supplementary budget.” intend to strengthen our implemented as part of the macroeconomic policy framework, facilitate Covid-19 relief package.
Editor Brent Simons Production editor Mava Lukani Design and layout Mind Trix Media Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula Writers Abel Mputing, Sakhile Mokoena, Rajaa Azzakani, Brent Simons, Mava Lukani Photography Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils Publisher Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Printer Vision Enterprises Section Manager: Publishing and Production Shirley Montsho Copyright INSESSION is is published by the Information and Content Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication Services of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa.
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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Telephone 021 403 8738 Fax 021 403 8096 E-mail insession@parliament.gov.za Subscriptions jzils@parliament.gov.za Post PO Box 15, Cape Town, 8000 OUR IDEALS Vision An activist and responsive people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures enduring equality in our society.
Strategic Objectives Strengthening oversight and accountability; enhancing public involvement; deepening engagement in international fora; strengthening cooperative government; strengthening legislative capacity.

BOOK A TOUR To tour Parliament Telephone 021 403 2266 E-mail tours@parliament.gov.za 4 NCOP passes Division of Revenue Amendment Bill There is also an urgent need to ensure that allocated resources are spent appropriately to avert fruitless and wasteful expenditures.
She urged Parliament to utilise its oversight mechanisms to monitor these interventions.

When the National Council Financial Fiscal Commission, accordingly, and in accordance this often affects the poor compromised”.

In supporting of Provinces (NCOP) debated as well as the Parliamentary with principles and priorities communities who are entitled the Bill, some provincial the Division of Revenue Budget Office, among others, espoused in the adjusted to these services”.
representatives called upon Amendment Bill recently in a to weigh the efficacy of the budget.

the National Treasury to virtual sitting, its Chairperson, Treasury’s adjustments in Their capacitation will review the formula it uses Mr Amos Masondo, conveyed relation to government’s The provinces should ensure that they dispense in determining provinces’ heartfelt condolences to the response to the pandemic.
determine how to appropriate their service delivery equitable share, particularly family, comrades, friends and and prioritise their share obligations.

As such, “the the so-called category three family of the late Mr Andrew In addition, the committee of the R20 billion budget National Treasury and other provinces.

This matter has Mlangeni, who before his published advertisements allocated to municipalities.
financially related state been brought to the attention death was the last surviving in all the major newspapers “That should be done without entities have an obligation of the National Treasury.

In member of the Rivonia trialists, writes Abel Mputing.
soliciting comments and disadvantaging the poor areas to assist or intervene in the Free State, for example, views, as part of its public of their jurisdictions,” Ms those municipalities that the province won’t be able to participation process that Mahlangu declared.
are struggling with financial provide water and sanitation “Andrew Mlangeni was an forms part of the committee’s management capacity, to to some of its rural areas due unwavering democrat, a deliberations before such a Bill She maintained the need to enable them to spend their to budget constraints.

revolutionary par excellence, is presented before the NCOP.

strengthen the political will funds accordingly”.
an architect of the South and administrative capacity of The 2020 Division of Revenue African democratic transition, She said while the committee local government to improved Ms Mahlangu recognised the Amendment Bill addresses a cadre committed to fight was processing the Bill, their “accountability to ensure fact that the National Treasury changes in the equitable against racial injustices to the it observed through the there’s good governance and has to balance the various division of nationally raised very end for a humane and Auditor-General’s report the citizens of South Africa get economic consequences revenue among the three just world,” the Chairperson the deteriorating state value for money”.
of Covid-19, to ensure that spheres of government; said.

of governance in various In relation to capacity in local “the social transformation changes to provincial municipalities.
“The government,” she claimed goals and development conditional grant allocations; Presenting the report of government must improve that “causes of underspending directives aimed at bringing and changes to the local the Select Committee on the financial management should be assessed before about fiscal adjustments and government equitable Appropriations on the Bill, systems at local government.
resources are taken away new economic structural share and conditional grant the committee’s Chairperson, There is a need for a resilient from municipalities, because adjustments are not allocations.

Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu, commended the National audit committee, the monitoring and the evaluation Treasury’s intervention to of these systems.” repurpose the national budget towards addressing challenges There is also an urgent need posed by the Covid-19 to ensure that allocated pandemic.
resources are spent She explained how the committee had consulted appropriately to avert fruitless and wasteful expenditures.

She urged Parliament to utilise widely on the Bill, having its oversight mechanisms to spoken to the Congress of the monitor these interventions.
South African Trade Unions, She also appealed that the the South African Association of Local Government and the funds meant for health interventions should be spent THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL, WHICH WAS TABLED ON 24 JUNE IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY - BY THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, MR TITO MBOWENI INSESSION NEWS CURB THE SPREAD OF COVID - 19 5 Mkhize - Communities must play their part in the fight to curb the spread of COVID-19 Giving a report-back on the current model of projection of peaks and possible flattening of the curve, he said to date fewer people have been infected than previously predicted.
“We are going ahead with our integrated strategies in anticipation of the peak around August.” Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize The Minister of Health, Dr strengthening mechanisms for to mitigate the spread of the exposure of their members to pandemic will cause many Zweli Mkhize, presented detection.” virus.

This will happen through infection.

to a National Assembly coordinated research and problems.
It will create untold job losses, and impact on plenary his department’s This classification measure is ongoing emulation of best Giving a report-back on the businesses and every part of response to Covid-19 since the one strategy embraced by the practices from other countries.

current model of projection of our lives.


He told the Members announcement of the national department and there is now peaks and possible flattening of the National Assembly that lockdown and various other a big emphasis on community Meanwhile, his department of the curve, he said to date the wave of infections that interventions to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Abel Mputing.
engagement as one of the has assisted the provincial fewer people have been South Africans were warned most effective interventions healthcare system most infected than previously about is now upon us and in arresting the spread of affected to get access to predicted.
“We are going it knows no race, gender or From the onset, he warned for community cooperation commended the bravery of strategies in anticipation of the pandemic alone; we need of the worrying spike in and vigilance regarding the the medical frontline staff the peak around August.” our social partners to curb its the virus.

“There is a need critical resources.

Dr Mkhize ahead with our integrated class.

“Government can’t fight infections in Gauteng.


“We wearing of masks and the who risk their lives to save the spread.” expect Gauteng will soon be change of behaviour.” He lives of others.

“These are our He lamented the fact that the the epicentre of this pandemic argued that there is now heroes.

We appreciate their in the country.

a realisation that that is dedication and commitment where the battle against the to caring,” he said.

To avert This has been detected due to pandemic will be won or lost.
any political interference that the department’s classification may hamper his department’s of districts as a measure to In the long term, beating the efforts, it now works hand prevent, mitigate infections disease will rely on devising in hand with trade unions to and promote recovery while a vaccine or some other drug address concerns about the “GOVERNMENT CAN’T FIGHT THE PANDEMIC ALONE; WE NEED OUR SOCIAL PARTNERS TO CURB ITS SPREAD.” - THE MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR ZWELI MKHIZE 6 NA MPS critically respond to Dr Mkhize’s Covid-19 plan People make a mistake focussing on the government, rather than their community.
“Our health system reflects the severe limitations of the state.

Now we pay the price of the deficiency of competency and trust,” system reflects the severe Also speaking during the limitations of the state.

National Assembly plenary, Now we pay the price of the the Chairperson of the deficiency of competency Portfolio Committee on and trust,” she proclaimed.
Health, Mr Sibongiseni Mr Nqabayonzi Nkwankwa Dlomo, noted that the of the United Democratic committee is unhappy about Movement said: “Our concern is that we missed a golden opportunity to implement proper testing, screening and contact tracing strategies during level 4 and 5 of lockdown.” conditions in the Eastern Cape, after the committee visited the province to conduct oversight.
Progress in readying health centres to deal with the pandemic is slow and shortages in personal protective equipment and personnel is an ongoing problem, he said.

However, he commended the health department’s response to the pandemic, which has also been praised by the World Health He also lamented the Organisation.
As a result, provision of statistics without “South Africa has been any critical reflection of invited to present how it their correlation to the managed the virus during its department’s strategic outbreak.

That is a sterling interventions.

achievement; it cannot be The Congress of the People’s simply overlooked.” Mr William Madisha said it’s unfortunate that the In his concluding remarks, government is using the Dr Mkhize made an appeal pandemic as a political tool.
that the fight against the “As political parties, we virus should not “divide agree that stern measures us, but unite us”.

“No one had to be taken to curb the possesses a monopoly on spread of this pandemic, wisdom of how to curb the but it has since been used spread of the virus.

We are to achieve political ends.

In open-minded about any addition, the Covid-19 fund suggestions that could show is now at risk from fraud and us our blind spot and we will corruption,” he said.
work on them.” The Minister of Health, Dr the provinces to use their Van Staden said.

If we dare Zweli Mkhize, was in the conditional grants, which to return to lockdown level National Assembly to present in turn affects their service five, “there would be public his department’s plan to delivery and their potential demonstration and people fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

to respond to the pandemic.

won’t approve of that.

MPs then responded to his statement.

Abel Mputing reports.


And we will reach a stage Mr Siphosethu Ngcobo of where people will not die of the Inkatha Freedom Party Covid-19, but of poverty.” said upon the announcement Ms Siviwe Gwarube of of lockdown, opposition Ms Elizabeth Sukers of the the Democratic Alliance political parties supported it, African Christian Democratic said coronavirus is the but the surge of infections, Party said those who most destructive and fatal now in Gauteng, is a concern.
succumbed to the virus are pandemic in history.

The “In the wake of this surge, mostly those that attend to deaths cannot be regarded we called for a return to the sick and dying, who have merely as fatalities, as in level five in Gauteng,” paid the highest price while each case it is someone’s he said.

He criticised the in the line of duty.

“We owe friend, brother, sister or opening of schools amid the all healthcare workers our colleague.

She thanked rise in infections.


greatest gratitude.” frontline workers who are working under impossible “We demand alternative People make a mistake conditions to save lives.

Ms measures for the wellbeing focussing on the Gwarube also emphasised of pupils and teachers.” government, rather than that the government’s Mr Philippus van Staden their community.
“Our health response should include said the Freedom Front Plus concrete plans and resources believes government has need to be distributed to failed to use the opportunity provinces so that they can granted by lockdown to cope with the number of prepare for rising infections.

infections.

“Now we see health workers on strike, we see shortages She criticised the R20 billion of beds, oxygen, and a pledged by the government shortage of doctors and towards fighting the effects nurses.” of the pandemic.
She said this amount is not a stimulus The pandemic has laid bare package, but rather a pre-existing weaknesses reprioritisation of existing in the health system and budget.

In her view, it forces brought it to its knees, Mr INSESSION NEWS COVID-19 PLAN 7 Committees On Health not happy with the Eastern Cape’s covid-19 interventions “We are not happy with certain things that are happening, but we commend the work that is being done by the PMU,” he said.
The portfolio and the select Health will apply section 100 communities to hospitals.

In committees on health received of the Constitution, as the response Ms Gomba said the a briefing on the state of Eastern Cape Department of procurement of scooters had provincial health services from Health is unable to deal with already been explained by the Eastern Cape’s project the pandemic.

Dr Mkhize Premier Oscar Mabuyane.

management unit (PMU) in a responded by saying that virtual joint meeting.
Opening there is no need for that On the problem of the lack the joint meeting, the Minister intervention at the moment of oxygen at hospitals, Dr of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize said referring to the Constitution Mkhize told the committees that although the Eastern Cape to outline when such an that the Department of has many challenges, they intervention is mandated.

Health is negotiating with are not beyond the capacity of the provincial Department of Health or the PMU, writes Mava Lukani.
manufacturers to ensure that Members of the committees provincial hospitals have told Ms Gomba and Dr Zungu sufficient supply.

The issues that the time for planning raised by the committees is over.

It is now time for on staffing, ambulances, The committees were also implementation and saving corruption, shortages in briefed by the MEC for Health, people’s lives.
They also oxygen supply, and other Ms Sindiswa Gomba, and demanded timeframes from infrastructure challenges are members of the PMU, under MEC Gomba and Dr Zungu.

matters that the Department the leadership of Dr Sibongile of Health is well versed in and Zungu.

PMU is a support One committee member, are being attended to by the team of experts appointed Ms Sive Gwarube, said the province.
by Dr Mkhize to assist the province has no clear response province with its Covid-19 to Covid-19 and that the PMU’s The Chairperson for the interventions.

Dr Zungu presentation lacks timelines.


Portfolio Committee on briefed the committees on In addition, referring rural Health, Dr Sibongiseni epidemiological projections, patients to metros made Dhlomo, said even though the surgical capacity, human no sense, as metro facilities PMU’s report lacked detail, resource management, supply are already overwhelmed.

it is reassuring to receive of oxygen, data collection Members also wanted more reports on the work being tools and ambulances.
She explanation about Nelson done in the province.

After the painted a picture of lack of Mandela Metro’s Dora Nginza committee’s oversight in the capacity in the provincial and Livingston hospitals, Eastern Cape in June this year, public healthcare in each and which have been in the news the Chairperson has noted every area of the provincial for all the wrong reasons.

significant progress.

“We are healthcare system.


not happy with certain things During the discussions, explain the problem of commend the work that is members of the committees scooters bought by the Eastern being done by the PMU,” he Ms Gomba was asked to that are happening, but we asked Dr Mkhize when the Cape Department of Health to said.

national Department of transport patients from rural THE TIME FOR PLANNING IS OVER.

IT IS NOW TIME FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND SAVING PEOPLE’S LIVES.
- THE SELECT COMMITEES ON HEALTH 8 Social development department will focus on those who are most vulnerable The deparTmenT’s budgeT was reduced from r197.7 billion To r182.24 billion.

however, when The naTional Treasury presenTed The supplemenTary budgeT, ThaT is governmenT’s funding response To covid-19, The deparTmenT received an addiTional r25.5 billion.
Minister Lindiwe Zulu When Minister Lindiwe Zulu presented the Budget Vote of the Department of Social Development to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), she said she presented it in the eye of a turbulent storm unlike any faced before, writes Mava Lukani.

The Department of Social Development is counted among those in the frontlines, she said.
“It is in this regard,” she continued, “that we urgently assumed a stance by which we are strengthening the capabilities of our programmes relative to the challenges that accompany the Covid-19 pandemic.” According to her, the challenges demand the department formulates and implements responsive, impactful and qualitatively life-improving solutions.
“Within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic our programmatic responses are guided by the mandate to work hard and smart towards improving what is good for our society, and bettering the to R182.24 billion.

However, as no additional funding was quality of life of every South when the National Treasury received for this function in African.

Our focus is on those presented the supplementary the current financial year.

who are most vulnerable,” she added.


budget, that is government’s As such, Ms Zulu said, these funding response to Covid-19, costs will be funded from re- the department received an prioritised budget.

This budget vote calls upon additional R25.5 billion.
This all South Africans to muster amount, according to Ms Ms Delmaine Christians who the requisite courage to Zulu, was supplemented by a represents the Northern Cape innovate extraordinary policy, R15.48 billion reduction from Province in the NCOP for the programmatic and service the baseline, and thereby Democratic Alliance (DA), delivery initiatives, and bringing the total budget said the people are in despair society-wide partnerships allocation for the Covid-19 because of the ruling party’s that are intentionally targeted response to R40 955 billion.
broken promises.

The DA at flattening the curves of salutes the healthcare workers inequalities, poverty, hunger, The department’s annual who are at the forefront in the gender-based violence and budget was readjusted struggle against Covid-19, she femicide, youth economic upwards to R223.2 billion said.

exclusion and substance for the current financial year abuse.

(2020/21).
(2020/21).

This is a significant The government’s increase budget increase of 8.13% in social grants and the Ms Zulu told the NCOP that when the inflation rate is at R350 offered to the needy the measures outlined in her 4.6%.
The increase was caused as strategies to mitigate the department’s adjusted budget by budget reallocations to effects of Covid-19 have failed are directed at responding three budget items, namely: because of poor and corrupt not only to the pandemic, but social assistance grants – R15.

administration in the Social also to enable “our people to 4 million; early childhood Development department.
Too rebound to productive lives development (ECD) conditional many people became victims faster, thereby ensuring that grants – R64.5 million, of poverty, notwithstanding they actively define and build and operational funding – those plans of mitigation.

She our collective future: the South R56 million.

called on the minister to cut Africa we want and the citizen all the red tape.

that we want to inhabit it”.

South African Social who participated in the budget debate supported the department’s budget.
The MECs also highlighted the achievements of their departments in their provinces.

Mr Andrew Arnolds of the Economic Freedom Fighters who represents the Western Cape Province in the NCOP said the EFF objects to the department’s budget.

The EFF lost all hope in the department when it politicised the distribution of food Security Agency (Sassa’s) The MECs for the Eastern Cape, parcels.
The department’s budget was administrative costs remain Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, reduced from R197.7 billion unchanged at R7.7 million, North West and Mpumalanga “THE MANDATE IS BETTERING THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EVERY SOUTH AFRICAN.” - THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, LINDIWE ZULU INSESSION NEWS BUDGETS AND PLANS DUE TO COVID - 19 9 Basic Education department reprioritises budget and plans due to Covid-19 - NCOP “The longer our children are deprived of education, the poorer our nation will become,” Ms Christians said.
Minister Angie Motshekga Delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) expressed concerns during a virtual budget debate on Basic Education regarding a decrease in provincial conditional grants due to the redirection of funds to Covid- 19-related expenditure, writes Rajaa Azzakani.

Delivering her Budget Vote speech in the NCOP recently, the Minister of the Department of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, told NCOP delegates that her department had to reprioritise its plans due to budget cuts.
The department’s baseline budget was reduced by R2.1 billion, while those of the provincial departments combined were reduced by R1.5 billion.

This is an overall decrease in the baseline for the basic education sector of R3.6 billion.

These cuts contributed towards the R500 billion stimulus package announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

concerns about the budget poor communities without start, warned against the Minister Motshekga informed cuts.

“The reduction of the resources such as the internet.
opening of the schools as the NCOP that the raging infrastructure budget across all “The longer our children schools, particularly in rural debate on whether schools provinces is cause for concern.

are deprived of education, areas, are not prepared should be closed because Furthermore, the reduction of the poorer our nation will for Covid-19.

The IFP also of Covid-19 involve all the conditional grant is also become,” Ms Christians said.
had questions about the stakeholders, including concerning as this grant is also Although this view was shared reprioritisation of the parents.

The department used to support programmes presented all these views like maths and science.” to the Covid-19 National by some political parties, others felt it is not to the conditional grants supporting mathematics, science and benefit of learners to continue technology programmes.
“We Command Team for the Mr Lesufi said the advice on with schooling during what need to ensure that no child Cabinet to take a decision on the schooling sector relating they described as the “peak” is left behind as we deal with the matter.

to Covid-19 has always been of the pandemic in August and the pandemic,” he added.

expert driven and expert September.

The Chairperson of Select guided.

“Our advice has Committee on Education always been expert driven.
We Ms Seneanye Lehihi of the and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Mamagase depend on expert advice.

Our advice should remain expert Elleck Nchabaleng, said the driven and not economic infrastructure backlog would driven.” be further affected, as funds now have to be diverted to Ms Delmaine Christians of Covid-19-related expenses.
the Democratic Alliance (DA) “This may result in the said it is for the benefit of suspension or termination of some planned infrastructure the country’s children that schools remain open and are Economic Freedom Fighters said: “We demand that all schools remain closed.

When we had 100 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infections, we closed schools.

Now we have more than 10 000 daily infection cases and we want to open schools.

This is murderous.” The EFF rejected projects.” adequately provided for.
The the adjusted budget.

DA believes the benefits of Participating in the debate, the opening the schools exceed Mr Simo Mfayela of the Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, also expressed the negatives, and that closing schools will be disastrous for Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said his party has, from the 10 Basic Education must blacklist unscrupulous PPE suppliers - Committee on Appropriations “hijacking of contracts” and called on the department to involve the police.
This practice, which is common in rural areas, is when contractors who had lost the bid or at times didn’t even apply, disrupt the project and demand a 30% stake from the winning bidder.

Unscrupulous suppliers who the health standards for the was importing stationery from wanted to know why the activities that had closed deliver substandard personal prevention of coronavirus.

China and why items as small department was leasing the down or were going to close.
protective equipment (PPE) as pencils and rubbers can’t equipment instead of buying We are now buying our masks and sanitisers to schools must Some of the sanitisers be procured in South Africa, the equipment.

be exposed and blacklisted, supplied are just water, Basic Education Minister Ms members of the Standing far below the 70% alcohol Angie Motshekga said there Minister Motshekga said the Committee on Appropriations requirement.
It was alleged were only three stationery national department could told the Department of Basic that the fake sanitisers are companies supplying South not take responsibility for Education (DBE) recently common in the Eastern Cape’s Africa and they do not have that decision by the province.

during a virtual meeting Alfred Nzo District.

adequate capacity to serve the “We are not able to take locally,” said Mr Mweli.
He also told the committee that the cuts resulting from the budget adjustment were going to impact negatively on infrastructure, and a number of projects that were supposed where the impact of the needs of the whole country.

responsibility.

I am equally to be rolled out this year will recent budget adjustment The committee also shocked and disgusted be put on hold.

on the department’s ability condemned the “hijacking of “The department must about the tablets reports.
to carry out its mandate was discussed, writes Sakhile Mokoena.

contracts” and called on the also help in the process of The Premier and MEC have department to involve the igniting local manufacturing.

instituted an investigation police.


This practice, which Every time we import, that into the procurement of ICT Members of the committee is common in rural areas, is when contractors who had lost contributes negatively to the economy, let’s buy RSA equipment in the Eastern Cape Province,” the Minister told said the government cannot the bid or at times didn’t even products,” said committee the committee.

work with people who want apply, disrupt the project and Chairperson Mr Sfiso Buthelezi.
to maximise profit at the demand a 30% stake from expense of the lives of the the winning bidder.

Members The department’s Director- General, Mr Mathanzima learners and teachers.

Such of Parliament called this a The department was also Mweli, told members of suppliers should be blacklisted sabotage of service delivery questioned about recent the committee that the and even charged with and proposed that the police reports that the Eastern Cape department was buying murder.
Their concern follows should be involved to deal Provincial Department of masks locally and no longer in reports that some companies with such incidents.

Education was planning to China, as was the case at the contracted by the department spend R400 million to lease beginning of the coronavirus were providing PPE and Responding to a question tablets for learners.

MPs outbreak.
MPs outbreak.

“We have now sanitisers that didn’t meet about why the department (Members of Parliament) stimulated manufacturing INSESSION NEWS BASIC EDUCATION 11 The 2020 academic programme will be completed, Minister Nzimande assures NCOP The net suspension amounts to R1.734 billion for normal voted funds.

The adjustments budget also provides for the reduced collection of skills levies of R8.122 billion.
In his policy debate speech of which R4.999 billion is into account the additional on the Department of Higher reallocated for reprioritising costs due to Covid-19.

Education and Training to expenditure towards Covid-19 Funds were reprioritised the National Council of activities.
Provinces (NCOP), Minister by institutions from their block grants and earmarked Dr Blade Nzimande, took The net suspension amounts grants to develop teaching the opportunity to share his to R1.734 billion for normal and learning platforms to department’s achievements voted funds.

The adjustments accommodate remote teaching Minister Blade Nzimande and challenges as they battle budget also provides for the and learning.
Universities with the Covid-19 pandemic reduced collection of skills will suspend some current and its effect on the poor, levies of R8.122 billion.

approved projects due to the reports Mava Lukani.

“The department’s original reprioritisation and cuts to the allocation for 2020/21 was value of about R3.851 billion.

“We now know that Covid-19 reduced from R116.857 billion has turned the global to R107.000 billion.
That As for the National Student economy upside down and represents a reduction of 8%.” Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), brought about the broadest adjustments outlined by collapse in per capita incomes The biggest single reduction is Dr Nzimande, include the since 1870,” Dr Nzimande on the declined estimates for suspension and reallocation began.

“Throughout the world, the skills levy collections, from of R2.5 billion earmarked for tens of millions of workers R19.413 billion to R11.291 student devices.
However, the have lost their jobs and in billion, a reduction of R8.122 department has objected to South Africa unemployment billion (42%).

Dr Nzimande this and the matter is currently increased by one percentage noted that the purpose of with the National Treasury.
point, reaching 30.1% in the the re-allocation of funds first three months of this is to cater for reprioritised Dr Nzimande said NSFAS year.” expenditure towards expects a decrease in the addressing Covid-19-related collection of recoveries, due to The South African economy activities, including student the impact of Covid-19 on the is now expected to contract support.

by 7.2% in 2020, and this economy.


All key performance indicators are currently being is the largest contraction in The budget provides for the reviewed for Covid-19 impact nearly 90 years.

Inflation shifting of R1.510 million and details will be provided will likely register 3% in within the department’s when available.

2020.

“In response to these operational expenditure for challenges in our sector,” he Covid-19 expenditure.
The Although permanent delegates continued, “we have sought cuts are mainly on items such to the NCOP supported the to work together with other government departments, our as travel, accommodation, venues and related services.
department’s budget, Ms S’lindile Luthuli, representing entities, our universities and The department is in the colleges, student leadership, process of amending the KwaZulu-Natal in the NCOP for the Economic Freedom with close collaboration with 2020/21 annual performance Fighters (EFF), rejected the the private sector and labour plan, as well as the strategic budget.
The EFF believes the to ensure that we stand united plan for 2020-2025 to budget perpetuates historical in the fight against coronavirus accommodate the impact of inequalities and deepens the and its impact on the sector.” the adjustments.

suffering of black people.

The grant that was meant The final special adjustments All universities have submitted for meals is now used to buy budget cut for the Department multi-modal teaching, learning laptops, in the EFF’s view.

for 2020/21 is R9.857 billion.
and assessment plans to The total suspension of funds amounts to R6.734 billion, enable them to complete the 2020 academic year, taking WE STAND UNITED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE SECTOR.” MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - BLADE NZIMANDE 12 Cooperative Governance Budget Vote – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly Ms Faith Muthambi “Yes, while we were dealing with the good and the bad of local government, the ugly of the Covid-19 pandemic emerged.
Participating in the Department of Cooperative emerged.

However, unlike Covid-19 pandemic by the Covid-19-related expenditure to appropriate authorities for the guns and dynamite of the World Health Organisation.

to ensure that there is no investigation.


It also provides Governance and Traditional once popular movie The Good, Affairs’ (Cogta) Budget Vote the Bad and the Ugly, we debate, the Chairperson of need to apply resolve, hard the Portfolio Committee on work, innovation, common Cooperative Governance and sense and team work to spending on salaries or other the office with remedial The committee is determined non-Covid-related expenditure.
to ensure accountability in municipal spending of Covid-19 funds, particularly on an oversight plan and The committee has agreed irregularities.” powers, including the recovery of money lost because of the Traditional Affairs, Ms Faith overcome the dismal realities as some municipalities have a programme to address Muthambi, mentioned that we are confronted with.” been in the spotlight for challenges, including when conducting oversight over municipalities the The committee welcomed have already called some of responsible for supporting abusing these funds.
“We ensuring that the entities committee sees “first-hand the department’s special the conquered frontiers and adjustment budget, in progress, on the one hand, as particular the proposed these municipalities to come local government are fulfilling to Parliament to account.

We their commitments.


For also came out and demanded example, the South African Although the majority of members supported the adjustment budget, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the African Christian Democratic Party rejected the adjusted budget.
They highlighted corruption in well as the unmet challenges upward adjustment, from accountability when we heard Local Government Association municipalities and the recent R96.2 billion to R107.1 billion in the Department of the heart-breaking stories of councillors who looted must intensify the demand for negative audit outcomes accountability from member report for the 2018/19 Cooperative Governance’s food parcels meant for poor municipalities.

budget.

households,” she said.


and utter stagnation, on the other hand”, writes Mava Lukani.

The committee sees excellence “The Office of the Auditor- General is also starting to implement the provisions of the amended Public Audit financial year, released by the Auditor-General, as grounds for the rejection.

Worst of all, they argued, there are no consequences for corruption.
in those municipalities that This department is at the have achieved clean audits for several years, but mediocrity heart of the national Covid-19 response in two ways.

First, Ms Muthambi urged the National Treasury and the Department of Cooperative somewhere else, where a Ms Muthambi explained, state entity has failed to it is responsible for the address the water problems in implementation of disaster a ward for more than a year.
It management regulations, is in this context of the good, which are guiding the country the bad and the ugly that through the various stages the committee approaches this budget vote debate, Ms Muthambi explained.

of the national lockdown.
The regulations give effect to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “Yes, while we were dealing declaration of a national state with the good and the bad of of disaster in South Africa local government, the ugly of the Covid-19 pandemic on 15 March 2020, following the declaration of the global Governance to intensify the Act, which empowers it to monitoring municipalities’ refer material irregularities “I URGE THE NATIONAL TREASURY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE TO INTENSIFY THE MONITORING MUNICIPALITIES” - THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, MS MUTHAMBI INSESSION NEWS COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE BUDGET VOTE 13 We will resist the unlawful occupation of land in the same way that we have resisted the eviction of people – Minister Sisulu 1 500 approved beneficiaries from Khuthong informal settlements are being relocated into their homes community of Wilgeheuwel us with what the Marshall added.
in Roodepoort.

She said in Plan provided Western Europe On title deeds, Ms. Sisulu less than three weeks the [after the Second World War],” said: “We maintain our focus department was able to she said.

provide 70 families with to eradicate backlogs in registering title deeds.

As we decent shelter, water and As part of the response to stated before, a title deed sanitation.
Covid-19, the department empowers a household to fast-tracked the launch of be certain of the ownership In the Eastern Cape, the Elijah Barayi Mega Project of the house they live in and department is building 1 in Gauteng, where 1 500 frees them to participate in 000 temporary housing units approved beneficiaries the property market.” (TRUs) in Buffalo City at from Khuthong informal Duncan Village.
These will settlements are being In that regard, she said the fast-track the implementation relocated into their homes.

priority is to complete all of the Duncan Village housing the outstanding township project, which has been Hostels have also been proclamations required to delayed for a while through identified as overcrowded register title deeds.

The court processes.

spaces that endanger people’s funding for title deeds will lives.
Mamelodi Hostel, for henceforth form part of In Gauteng, TRUs are being example, is one of the most the Human Settlements rolled out to provide space overcrowded hostels in the Development Grant, and so for social distancing.

Among country.

As part of a de- forms part of the mainstream others, Zandspruit will yield densification programme programmes.
1 402 units, Tanganani Ext 7 there, the department is will yield 1 108, and Rabbie constructing more than 1 000 On land grabs and evictions: Ridge will yield 1 200 units.

In temporary residential units for “We will resist the unlawful the immediate term, she said, the hostel’s residents.
occupation of land in the same the Housing Development way that we have resisted the Agency (HDA) will assist the Ms. Sisulu said, together with eviction of people,” Ms. Sisulu government to build 6 371 the provinces, her department stated.

“The Constitution is TRUs across the country – is working with communities very clear on these and the with other provinces such as and municipalities to processes to be followed.
KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and incrementally upgrade more Lawlessness does not reflect Eastern Cape building more than 300 informal settlements progressive ideals.” with the private sector.

to improve living conditions in households.

R2.4 billion She told members of the and R2.2 billion have been National Assembly that Human Settlements is well- allocated to provinces and metros respectively in the placed to provide economic current budget, towards stimulus after the pandemic.
the upgrading of informal “We have shown the private settlements.

sector, we have shown the donor community and we “The need to improve have shown our people that living conditions in informal we are a dependable team.

settlements became even We would like them to invest more pressing.

The upgrading in us, support us and join us plans that were already in our work to achieve a more agreed with communities and equitable social order.
Mass municipalities needed to be housing delivery will provide implemented instantly,” she Minister Lindiwe Sisulu The advent of Covid-19 more, deliver differently, changed everything, including deliver faster.

“Driven by the plans of the Department of pandemic, what we have Human Settlements that were been able to achieve in the presented previously to a mini- past five months has been plenary budget debate vote of nothing but outstanding.
It the National Assembly (NA) – may not have been part of our and the pandemic has changed original plans, but it showed even the way people live.

our ability to respond to any That was what the Minister of situation as it unfolded,” she Human Settlements, Water and added.

Sanitation, Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu, told Members of the NA, writes Mava Lukani.
She said at the back of this pandemic they have gained greater impetus, provided Presenting her budget debate society with greater insight speech for the Department of Human Settlements, Ms. Sisulu into the urgency and need for shelter and showed the said Covid-19 has agitated for department for what it is – “a solutions here and now.

“It caring department, ready to incidentally thrust innovation reach out and find solutions in our face.
It created a certain to most of the problems urgency around making sure we encountered, including, that people are protected from unfortunately evictions and the elements and consequently invasions”.

most of the plans we laid out had to be delayed,” she said.
Ms. Sisulu highlighted her Ms. Sisulu said the plans have been replaced by an even greater drive to deliver department’s successes in her speech, including the innovative ways they have housed people, notably the 14 There are no easy answers as we face a ‘perfect storm’ – Minister Patel “The committee also told the Mayors to present detailed plans from both cities on the enforcement of the regulations and social distancing recommendations.” “To improve the capacity of the state, the department will review the performance of the 17 public entities falling under his department...,” Mr Ebrahim Patel said Minister Abraham Patel The Minister of Trade and series of sectoral masterplans Mandela Bay, eThekwini, procurement and advance Industry, Mr Ebrahim Patel, designed to build resilience in Buffalo City and Pretoria.” regional integration.
Another acknowledged the tough times the domestic economy,” he Mr Patel told the NA MPs that is looking at enhancing worker we are living in and extended said.

the department’s budget has empowerment at company his sincere condolences to been cut quite substantially level.” the thousands of families He told Members of the NA by R1.8 billion to reprioritise who have lost loved ones that together with the leaders state resources.

“There are no To improve the capacity of to Covid-19.
Mr Patel was of business and labour, they easy answers and we are faced the state, the department will introducing the Department on have forged consensus on the by what some call a ‘perfect review the performance of Trade and Industry’s budget masterplans to grow jobs and storm’.

Yet it is precisely in this the 17 public entities falling vote in a hybrid plenary of the National Assembly, reports Mava Lukani.
production in four sectors: most difficult moment that we under his department, identify Auto production, clothing and as South Africans will need to opportunities to consolidate textiles, poultry, and sugar.

find our resilient core,” he said.


and merge some entities and His department committed address underperformance and The budget vote focused last year to expand markets To repair the damage of in the case of the NLC promote on three areas: the for South African products Covid-19 and reconstruct the greater transparency and accomplishments and and facilitate entry to those economy to create more jobs, improved governance.
challenges of the past year, the markets through trade bring more young people department’s response to the measures that will build “our into entrepreneurship and “History suggests that from impact of Covid-19; and finally, resilience in relation to global increase economic inclusion, the greatest human crises, the the department’s action plan for the future.

“We are guided economic shocks”.

the government needs to think boldly and implement smartly.

greatest human advances can be made.


So, in the darkest by the principle of building To illustrate progress, the hour, we must prepare for a resilience in everything we department concluded an The situation requires better brighter future – at the heart of do,” he said.
agreement with the United coordination, fresh thinking which must lie a new economy Kingdom to maintain access for and a different way of working, – fit for future purpose, fair and Before the pandemic, his South African-made goods in which is why “I have engaged just, sustainable and resilient department made solid their market following Brexit.
talented persons inside and so that future shocks can be progress in each of these areas, despite significant economic In addition, a new record of almost 390 000 locally-made outside the public sector to enrich our thinking.

absorbed,” concluded Mr Patel.

headwinds.

“First, we cars were exported to the undertook to support improved rest of the world.
“Thousands One team is looking at industrial performance, of jobs were sustained in ideas on the just-transition dynamism and competitiveness of local companies, through a the making of those cars in factories in Uitenhage, Nelson to a greener economy and proposals to leverage local INSESSION NEWS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 15 A more radical strategy is needed to free Palestine You must use your own experience of reconciliation to give substance to Mandela’s saying that South Africa cannot be free as long as Palestinians are being oppressed.” Parliament needs to adopt a from the University of the he said, “must consider a “It is critical that parliament the solution.
more radical strategy to secure Witwatersrand’s Department ban of all products coming sign the UN Convention peace and an independent of Sociology, and Mr Na’eem from settlements in occupied on apartheid” and drive a Participants agreed that state for the people of Jeenah, the Executive Director Palestine” while working with campaign to put the apartheid South Africa had to do a Palestine.

This position was of the Afro-Middle East Centre.


the United Nations and all practices of Israel back on the thorough assessment of all supported by both the Deputy other structures to end “all UN agenda, he said.

Israeli products being sold Secretary to Parliament, Mr Prof Greenstein likened the security cooperation, training in South Africa.
They called Lechesa Tsenoli, and the current situation in Palestine and arms purchases” as these Prof Greenstein further called on the Department of Trade deputy chairperson of the to that of ethnic cleansing.

only benefitted the “oppressive on government and Parliament and Industry to properly scan National Council of Provinces, Ms Sylvia Lucas, writes Brent Simons He said the rise of apartheid Israeli regime”.
“to act positively to enhance products coming from Israel in Israel and South Africa had its capacity to work with all and to ban those produced its roots in 1948 when Israel Mr Jeenah added that it was groups to resolve the current and packaged by Israelis on was forcefully created and important that South Africa crisis in the Middle East.

You occupied territory.


Addressing the virtual Nelson apartheid formalised in South spearheaded an international must use your own experience Mandela Lecture themed Africa.

campaign to isolate Israel and of reconciliation to give Participants also agreed that “Each one, Teach One - the free Palestine.
substance to Mandela’s saying the current international Power to Transform the World: He called for the adoption of a that South Africa cannot be silence on plans by Israel Mandela in Conversation with strategy of solidarity to unite Prof Greenstein, Mr Jeenah free as long as Palestinians are to annex more Palestinian Palestine”, Mr Tsenoli and Ms all those opposed to Israel.
This and other participants called being oppressed.” territory had to be broken and Lucas agreed that South African strategy must focus on people on South Africa to formally cut called on South Africa to take needs a more aggressive within Israel sympathetic diplomatic ties with Israel.

Mr Member of Parliament and the lead in this campaign.
The agenda to deal with and to the cause of establishing Jeenah added that South Africa former ambassador Mr starting point must be robust hopefully resolve the issue of a an independent Palestinian should use its membership Mohammed Dangor cautioned interaction with both the free Palestine.

state.

This could be achieved, of the United Nations (UN) that any strategy would first Israelis and Palestinians.
The Nelson Mandela lecture Prof Greenstein believes, by transforming existing South Security Council and its position as chairperson of the African have to “bring about maximum unity amongst Palestinians” was addressed by Associate African policy and attitudes Union “to give concreteness to themselves.

He agreed that the Professor Ran Greenstein towards Israel.

“Parliament” the struggle to free Palestine”.
two-state option was no longer SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD USE ITS MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN) SECURITY COUNCIL AND ITS POSITION AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION “TO GIVE CONCRETENESS TO THE STRUGGLE TO FREE PALESTINE” - THE DIRECTOR OF THE AFRO-MIDDLE EAST CENTRE, MR NAEEM JEENAH 16 Covid-19 Budget cuts A Blow To Agricultural Sector Still Reeling From Drought, Says Minister Didiza “We reiterate our call to farmers, farmworkers and traditional leaders to work together to expand food production and ensure food security.” Minister Thoko Didiza In presenting the Department remedies through the voucher million and the Ingonyama agricultural sector to transform urban-rural market linkages, of Agriculture, Land Reform system.
and Rural Development’s budget vote in a virtual Government has had to Trust received an amount of the ownership patterns of our and thus yield positive R22 million.

economy.” economic spin-offs for our rural agricultural communities.” mini plenary of the National adjust budget allocations for The impact of cuts in the He said the support and Assembly recently, Ms Thoko competing needs.
The initial Dididza said no one could allocation for the department have predicted the blow in the February budget vote Covid-19 would inflict when was R16.8 billion.

This was re- the President tabled the State adjusted to R14.4 billion during of the Nation Address and the supplementary budget vote presented the government’s on 24 June 2020, a reduction of plans for the year in February, reports Mava Lukani.

just under R2.4 billion.


“We are appreciative that these cuts did budget has meant that the the inclusion of small and Budget cuts have impacted department has had to make emerging black farmers into on one of the most important difficult trade-offs in an effort the mainstream agricultural departmental programmes of to impact a little as possible economy is an essential the department, namely food on the delivery of services ingredient towards radical security.

“We reiterate our within the sector.


The greatest economic transformation of call to farmers, farmworkers portion of the cuts of R1.89 the sector.
It is important to and traditional leaders to billion within the department ensure increased investment work together to expand food are in the programmes that into rural infrastructure production and ensure food not affect critical Medium-Term deliver on food security, land support programmes that will security.” The closure of some sectors of allocations for biosecurity and redistribution and restitution.
support farmer production the economy has meant the supporting exports amounting units located in the 44 districts loss of agricultural markets and to R495.1 million and R500 These programmes are central of South Africa.

“Equally we has threatened the job security million to finalise land claims.” to achieving food security need investment in social of farm workers.
“Covid-19 became an added blow given The cuts were not extended the challenges that we were to the Agricultural Research already facing in respect of Council, which was already drought, animal and plant experiencing cash flow disease outbreaks,” said Ms challenges.

The department’s Didiza.

R14.4 billion allocation for the 2020/2021 budget also and economic transformation infrastructure such as rural through redress and equitable roads and this will contribute access to producer support.
to the effective realisation of Food security had cuts of R939 million, land redistribution and tenure reform R544 million and land restitution R403 million.

In the previous months “we includes transfers to provincial have seen the impact of departments of agriculture, as Covid-19 to food security part of the division of revenue.

in our own country, in the These allocations relate to: continent and globally.
In our own country it has shown the Ilima/Letsema Conditional Grants – R428 million; CASP fault lines that still exist in our Infrastructure Grant – R965 agriculture and food system.” million; CASP Upgrade of Colleges – R25 million; and Ms Didiza told Members of the NA that the rural development budget had a cut of R199.7 million, which will negatively affect rural social infrastructure and schemes to improve irrigation.
The department’s budget allocation has been cut from R 16.8 billion to R14.4 The government has CASP Extension Services – R214 billion.

intervened to cushion million.

smallholder and commercial farmers from the disruptions Other transfers are to caused by the pandemic.

agricultural entities, such Small holding and subsistence as the Agricultural Research farmers have been assisted Council, which received a grant through production inputs, of R1.271 billion.
The National animal feed, agricultural remedies and livestock stock Agriculture Marketing Council received an amount R47.4 Participating in the budget debate, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Inkosi Mandla Mandela said: “We are encouraged by the confidence that the government has in the Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela INSESSION NEWS REST IN PEACE DR ANDREW MLANGENI 17 Deputy Minister says job creation remains her department’s chief mandate The department aims to support 6 000 small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Deputy Minister of the well over R343 million from Department of Labour and the UIF to create jobs and Employment, Ms Boitumelo training opportunities for the Moloi, told National Council of youth and women.

And R5.9 Provinces (NCOP) permanent million has been set aside for delegates how the Department the Centre for Conciliation, of Labour and Employment will Mediation and Arbitration utilise its adjusted budget to (CCMA) to preserve jobs.
respond to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, In addition, the department reports Abel Mputing.

aims to support 6 000 small and medium-sized enterprises.

Appearing before a recent Given the impact of the virtual plenary of the NCOP Covid-19 lockdown regulations, for the department’s Budget the department requires Vote debate, Ms Moloi said a “consummate response job creation still remains the in line with government’s department’s chief mandate.

social solidarity.
social solidarity.

To date, R34 The R3.6 billion in the adjusted billion has been distributed to budget will be prioritised to employers and employees to secure employment and to provide income support”.

initiate programmes to give employees easy access to the In addition, the Compensation department’s Covid-19 relief Fund has ensured that services.
workers “get compensated for contracting the virus while at “Currently, we have 24 mobile work, including the temporary units in all the provinces, disbursement of medicine, aimed at taking our services covering of their medical to the people.

This is done to expenses, and of survivors’ reduce the cost of services, of benefits and funerals in cases reaching our labour centres and of death”.
as a means of maintaining the principles of social distancing Ms Moloi also commended through our online registration the National Economic facilities,” Ms Moloi said.

Development and Labour Council for providing leadership One example of this is the revamp of Unemployment and directives in various sectors of the economy.

Insurance Fund (UIF) centres to improve their efficiency.
As the pandemic moves from a Currently, its services have health crisis into an economic improved from a 48% to a 97% efficiency rate.

crisis, the department’s priority is job creation and job protection.

“Hence we have Well over 10% of the adjusted asked for more funds for the budget will be used to activate CCMA to avert large-scale and retain job opportunities.
retrenchments.” “The department has set aside End of a special generation as the last Rivonia trialist passes on Ms Thandi Modise and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Masondo, sent condolences on behalf of Parliament to the Mlangeni family, the African National Congress and friends of Dr Mlangeni.
Dr Andrew Mlangeni, who as an unassuming and humble fighters who were driven passed away in July, was leader, “a remarkable patriot by a commitment to the a founding Member of and the moral conscience freedom of all South Africans.

South Africa’s democratic of our nation until the end.

Former president Thabo Mbeki Parliament.


He served in many South Africa has lost a father, described Dr Mlangeni, as parliamentary committees a warrior, a long-standing an outstanding leader and a as a paragon of selflessness, servant and the glue that revolutionary.

Theirs’ was a integrity and dedication.

bound our nation”.
bound our nation”.

generation prepared to pay the heavy price of laying After hearing about Dr Dr Mlangeni was the sole down their lives to attain that Mlangeni’s passing, the surviving Rivonia trialist.

freedom.
freedom.

Presiding Officers of He was released after 27 Parliament, led by National long years in prison in 1989 Dr Mlangeni was born on 6 Assembly Speaker Ms Thandi together with Walter Sisulu, June 1925 in Matoding (later Modise and National Council of Ahmed Kathrda, Raymond renamed Maynhartfontein Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi and farm) outside Bethlehem in the Masondo, sent condolences Oscar Mpetha.

on behalf of Parliament to the Free State.


He was the ninth of 12 children of Ntate Matia and Mlangeni family, the African At his funeral, speakers one Mama Aletta Mlangeni, and National Congress and friends after another said he was was one of the couple’s three of Dr Mlangeni.

The Presiding Officers describes Dr Mlangeni the last freedom fighter of a generation of freedom sets of twins.

His parents were farm labour tenants.